#258 Norma Lerner

Widow of Al Lerner (d. 2002), founder of credit card giant MBNA and savior of Cleveland Browns pro football franchise. Family sold 40% of stake in MBNA to pay taxman; will convert the rest to shares and cash pending $35 billion sale to Bank of America; merger will create country's largest credit card lender. Struggling Browns still a keeper. Norma keeps low profile, but known for Cleveland-area philanthropy, especially medical causes.